Con Coughlin is the Telegraph's Defence Editor and a world-renowned expert on global security and terrorism issues. He is the author of several critically acclaimed books. His new book, Churchill's First War: Young Winston and the fight against the Taliban, is published by Macmillan in London and Thomas Dunne Books in New York. He appears regularly on radio and television in Britain and America.

Mali raid shows why Britain needs strong military

When David Cameron chairs tomorrow morning's National Security Council discussion on the French military operation in Mali, it would be good for him and the rest of those responsible for our national security to reflect on the wisdom of implementing draconian cuts to our Armed Forces at a time when we are still engaged in fighting a determined and relentless foe.

Like us, the French are struggling to cope with significant reductions to their military capabilities, which is why they had to borrow a couple of RAF Hercules transport aircraft to ship their troops from Normandy to North Africa. In an ideal world the French should have sufficient capabilities of their own to mount an operation such as this, in which French forces are sent to rescue French assets. The same goes for Britain, but, thanks to the defence cuts, it is arguable whether we still have the capability to act on our own to defend our interests.

Having to rely on allies is all very well – so long as you can count on them to help out when you need them. But you only have to look at the history of the Falklands campaign to see that the French could hardly be termed reliable allies.

Which is why I believe the Government would do well to heed the advice of Leon Panetta, the U.S. Defence Secretary, when he visits London this week. Mr Panetta, who is having to oversee deep cuts to the American defence budget, is anxious that neither Britain nor America can afford to "weaken out defences in the process of solving our budget woes."